MOBILE NEWS
Zeemote closes its doors?
Plans in place to sell on the Bluetooth mobile controller assets |
Rumours are afoot this morning that Chelmsford-based developer and manufacturer of the
Bluetooth mobile game controller Zeemote has closed its doors.
The news
reportedly comes directly from investor Michael Fitzgerald of Commonwealth Capital Ventures, though he declined to spill any details on the closure. The only glimmer of a silver lining here is that Fitzgerald indicated that the company would be attempting to sell the Zeemote JS1 controller assets, so at least the device might yet survive.
Concerns were raised by consumers over the
£40 price tag when the device launched in the UK, though the Sony Ericsson bundles have proven very popular, as has the device itself for
avid pocket gamers.
Support from handset manufacturers has been very positive, with the majority of gaming handset supporting the Zeemote JS1, so chances are good that the controller itself will remain with us.
Joined:
Mar 2008
Post count:
173
I think as gamers move towards the iPhone and other accelerometer/touch screen devices the Zeemote is going to find itself increasingly pushed out of the market. It's a shame that Apple is so protective of the iPhone because a Zeemote for that machine would be excellent.
Joined:
May 2009
Post count:
44
It's true. I'm still not fully convinced when it comes to virtual D-pads.
LongSteve | 6 November 2009
I was only thinking the other day how great twin Zeemotes would be for playing Eliminate on the iPhone, although only if y-axis invert was added as an option, I can't play without it!
Joined:
Feb 2008
Post count:
287
Yeah Apple should definitely open THEIR doors for the Zeemote.
House | 6 November 2009
Zeemote was doomed from the start. Who wants to carry around another gadget? People have trouble not losing their phones let alone another trinket. It's just not convenient. And the price? C'mon. Games can be played perfectly fine without a Zeemote which is why users aren't running to stores to go buy one at *choke* 40 euros a pop. Nice try but no dice.
Joined:
Jul 2008
Post count:
393
Wouldn't be surprised to hear that someone like RIM were to buy the Zeemote. Apple should, really, but I can't imagine it.
Gadget Pro | 6 November 2009
The ultimate use for the Zeemote would turn mobile phones into "game consoles" especially in emerging markets (India, SE Asia, China) where buying an Xbox, PS2-3, Wii etc. is out of budget and phone is central to communication, information and entertainment...
In established markets enabling iphone/itouch with TV out for gaming and adding a Zeemote would make a ton of sense due to the high quality of game graphics.
Ohh yea, it could be used as a remote control for the ipod functionality for movies on TV or controlling music playback when connected to A/V system.
Phone with TV Out
Mobile Games
Video/Music Content
Add Zeemote...
Dirk | 17 December 2009
Zeemote has been acquired by Aplix Corporation
